before 1 of 2

Definition of beforenext
1
as in to
earlier than since I'm a faster runner, I got there before him

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in against
preceding in space the children always insisted on running before their parents

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

before

2 of 2

adverb

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of before
Preposition
He was queued up for screening before his flight to Philadelphia on Saturday. Arkansas Online, 22 Mar. 2026 The Experimental Group started as cocktail connoisseurs with bars in Paris and London before branching into restaurants and rooms, which means these creative libations are probably the best in town. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026
Adverb
In a statement to NPR, the State Department confirmed that treatment levels at the end of the 2025 reporting period were at roughly the same levels as a year before. Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 20 Mar. 2026 The caravan, which doesn’t yet have a name, is packed with forward-thinking features—including steering assist and a extremely cushy cabin—that have the potential to make hitting the road easier and more comfortable than ever before. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for before
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
  • To reply to other posts, simply include ‘re:’ or ‘to’ the topic in the subject line of your post.
    Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Next, Hathaway espoused the importance of hair and makeup to the crowd before asking Wintour to once again reveal the nominees.
    Sam Reed, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2026
Preposition
  • If anonymous people are able to lodge complaints against ICE agents and send in photos and videos, how can the agents fight the accusations?
    Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2026
  • After serving a one-game suspension in the Galaxy’s MLS match against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, Pec will be back in action Thursday.
    Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 19 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • By later June your path ahead should become clearer.
    Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
  • But Duke ran off 11 unanswered points to finally push ahead for good.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Or are some players already talking to their agent about exit plans?
    Stuart James, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Triolet said traffic is a valid concern in the area, which is already congested.
    Lilly Kersh, Dallas Morning News, 21 Mar. 2026
Preposition
  • Some questions may be adapted into full columns, and transcripts of the chats remain available after each session concludes.
    Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Lastly, guests will also notice that the in-room HVAC system is integrated with all balcony doors, resulting in the automatic shutdown of the system when the door is left open.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • And when the Tigers’ 7-foot center Shawn Phillips slammed down a dunk to tie the game 32-32 early in the second half, pure pandemonium.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Purdue went on a 17-2 run early in the second half to stretch its lead to 27 points and Queens could not match the Boilermakers’ sharpshooting, physicality and rebounding.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 21 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

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